R400 Duratec - Oil Leak

[spiderlane]

Hi,

 

I've just finished building my Dry Sump R400 Duratec, but the engine has had an oil leak from the first time I started it up. This is a standard Caterham engine supplied with the kit

 

It's coming from the black caphead bolt on the underside of the sump pan, near the front where the oil hose to the oil radiator comes out. I've checked the tightness of this bolt and it seems to be done up very tight already, so much that I wouldn't want to tighten it any more.

 

Here is the area it's leaking from The oil is coming from the 2nd of the black bolts (from left to right)

 

It only leaks when the engine is running, and it's a constant drip-drip-drip.

 

The car has just come back from CC for PBC and I asked them to fix this, but it looks like they haven't (despite telling me that everything was OK. )

 

Of course I'll call them on Monday, but I'm due to take the car abroad for a road trip on Tuesday so I'm wondering if it's something I can resolve in the mean time?

 

Any ideas as to why it's leaking, or how to resolve it?

 

All info gratefully received.

 

Cheers

Mark

 

ETA : Standard Caterham engine.

 

Edited by - spiderlane on 7 Aug 2010 16:05:41

[mic]

Undo the bolt and refit with some sealer on the bolt, Hylomar will be good. Those bolts don't usually have a washer on them but a small copper washer will be fine.

[spiderlane]

Hi Mic,

 

Thanks for the response, I'll try that. What does this bolt actually hold in place?

 

Cheers

Mark

[spiderlane]

Ok, I've applied a bead of Hylomar blue around the shoulder of the bolt and replaced it. Any ideas of the correct torque setting for this bolt?

 

Cheers

Mark

[mic]

The bolt is 1 of 3 that hold the oil pump to the sump. 25lb/ft should be OK

[spiderlane]

Mic - I just nipped up the bolt and ran the engine. Completely dry! Thanks so much. :)

[spiderlane]

Hmmn, spoke too soon. Oil tight when cold on tickover, but just been out for a blat and when up to temperature it drips again (not quite as much as before).

 

Will let it cool down, and try some hylomar on the thread and perhaps try to source a copper washer.